Jeremy McGrath: How's Retirement? 5

Recently we attended a media event at the legendary Castillo Ranch, where we spotted a familiar name and number aboard a new Kawasaki. Jeremy McGrath had joined us for the day as he has not only rejoined Kawasaki, but also a long-time sponsor Bell helmets (who hosted the event). Once we wrapped up our day of riding and clicked off a few photos of Jeremy on the ramps, we pulled the King aside for a couple of quick questions about what he's currently up to.

Vital MX: Jeremy, what's new with retirement?

Jeremy: You know what, it sure seems like I'm as busy as I've ever been; it's funny how that happens. Obviously, I'm still riding, doing a lot of stuff with Team Green such as some camps (for Team Green riders) and some activities at Supercross for them. It's actually been really fun and has kind of revitalized my riding. Then of course, I'm still racing the Lucas Oil truck series, which just started up again. So I'm really busy with that, now I have my own team, own truck, own shop and all that stuff. Then I have the family, my wife and two little girls, so it's never a dull moment around my house.

Vital MX: It's been a few months since you announced your new deal with Kawasaki. Originally, we heard it was as an ambassador and working with Team Green, but has it involved testing at all?

Jeremy: No, No, definitely just Team Green and working with the brand. I'm not doing any testing, but doing a bit of mentoring if some of the guys need it. Just kind of giving some advice to the pros since I've been through it. Mostly, I'm working on setting up some Team Green camps to help out and do some fun stuff with the amateurs.

Vital MX: Going forward, where do you see yourself in the motorcycle industry? Do you have a set deal with Kawasaki right now on what you'll be doing and how long?

Jeremy: Well, I did a two-year deal with Kawasaki and it obviously takes some time to get wheels in motion on some of these new ideas. But first off, I'm doing some dealer meetings with those guys. It's going really well and I'm really having fun working with them. I think one of my main jobs is to create brand fun... and hype, you know? Try to get these kids (Team Green) to think about some longevity and loyalty to the brand in the long-term but have them enjoy themselves.

Vital MX: So what's going on with the truck racing? What class are you in now and how's your team coming along?

Jeremy: I'm driving Pro 2, which is the top two-wheel drive class. It's what I was driving before, but his time around it's a bit different as I have my own team. A year-and-a-half ago, I was driving for another guy and wasn't happy, so we split and I missed almost half the season. Then I regrouped, got my own team started, and came back in 2014 for my first year as a owner/driver, which was so-so but this year things are looking better than ever. We just had our first round a few weeks ago and I finished fifth on Friday and third on Saturday, so definitely a lot better.

Vital MX: Are you looking at expanding the team and adding another driver or running another class yourself?

Jeremy: We do have another driver that we brought on board this year, and he's brought his truck under our tent. Basically, we're preparing it for him and he's racing with us under our setup. I don't think I'm going to race two trucks, it's already expensive enough, unless we get some big sponsor that wants to do that. I'm not really sure about the long-term plan, right now we're just focusing on 2015.

Vital MX: About how often are you throwing a leg over the dirtbike these days?

Jeremy: Well, there's some weeks I don't get out anymore, but I at least try to get out once a week. There for awhile, I'd just take a few weeks off when it would get busy. But lately with this new deal, I've been having a lot more fun with it and really getting that itch to ride. Which is good, because it's like therapy after those busy weeks.

Vital MX: On the personal side, your wife sure has has been through a lot the past few years, is she doing okay now?

Jeremy: Yeah, Kim's doing better. She still has some treatments she's going through, but it's much, much better now. So we're feeling really blessed and life is okay.

Interview and photos by Michael Lindsay